Nigerians in Diaspora remit $20 billion to nation’s GDP, Dabiri-Erewa reveals

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

Nigerians in Diaspora have continued to contribute significantly to the economy of the country with annual remittances amounting to approximately $20 billion, representing 6.1% of the country’s GDP, the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has disclosed.

Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure during a presentation at the “Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill”, held in the U.S. Capitol as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC.

The Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, according to a statement Wednesday by

Gabriel Odun of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the Commission, noted their achievements across various sectors worldwide, emphasizing their role as strategic partners in the nation’s growth.

Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman commended the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to both the Nigerian economy and their host countries.

According to her, “Nigerians continue to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy, with annual remittances amounting to approximately $20 billion, representing 6.1% of the country’s GDP” she stated”.

Continuing, the statement by Odun said “She (Dabiri-Erewa) further elaborated on the efforts of NiDCOM to effectively engage the Nigerian diaspora through the National Diaspora Policy, which aims to harness the resources and capacity of Nigerians abroad for national development.

“Other NiDCOM initiatives highlighted, include the Diaspora Data Mapping/Registration Portal, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, all designed to enhance diaspora contributions.

“During the event, Dabiri-Erewa engaged in fruitful discussions with influential global figures, including Gina Paige, President & CEO of African Ancestry, Dr. Sheila Walker, an acclaimed Anthropologist and Filmmaker, and His Royal Majesty Mouhammad-Nabil Mforifoum Mbombo Njoya, the Sultan King of Bamoun from Cameroon.

Additionally, she had meaningful interactions with Kamal Olufowobi, CEO of MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent)

“The forum, which also featured U.S. Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Jonathan Jackson, Troy Carter, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Senator Tim Kaine, served as a platform to strengthen the bond between the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean, while acknowledging the vital role of the African diaspora in shaping a shared economic future.

“Dabiri-Erewa’s participation at this high-level event further underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deepening engagement with its diaspora community and advancing collaborative efforts with global partners to drive economic growth and development.

“The event, titled: The Rise of Global Africa: Forging a New U.S. Economic Partnership with Africa and the Caribbean’ brought together U.S. Congress members, African leaders, and business executives to discuss strategies for fostering stronger economic and political relationships between Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States through the global African diaspora”, the statement concluded.